Proper nutrition is essential for all dogs, and choosing the right food can be a daunting task. In addition to the hundreds of commercial dog food brands to choose from, you’ll also need to decide whether you want to feed your dog dry or wet food.
Many dog owners choose dry food because it is cheap and convenient. However, more and more owners are starting to feed wet food because of its potential health benefits. This article will explore the advantages of feeding wet food over dry food.
Pros of Feeding Wet Food to Dogs
There are several reasons why wet food is a good choice for many dogs.
First of all, for most dogs, wet food is usually more enticing than dry food. It is closer to the fresh meat that dogs crave. Wet food is especially suitable for picky eaters and can be used as an alternative or supplement to dry food.
Second, wet food may be healthier than dry food for the following reasons:
- Wet foods tend to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat than dry foods. High carbohydrate intake may contribute to obesity in dogs, so some wet foods can prevent weight gain and even promote weight loss.
- Wet food has a high water content and can help dogs stay hydrated. This is good for dogs who don’t drink much water, especially in hot weather.
Not all wet food varieties are created equal; When shopping for dog food, be sure to check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging. Consult your veterinarian for advice on different diets. Read online reviews to see what other pet owners have to say about different foods.
Cons of Feeding a Dog Wet Food
Dry food is often preferred by dog owners for two main reasons: cost and convenience. Wet food is usually more expensive than dry food, especially if you’re only fed dry food. In addition, preparing dry food is more cumbersome and time-consuming. Many hosts prefer to scoop some dry food into a bowl rather than opening the can or package and scooping out the food with a spoon.
Another reason why dog owners tend to opt for dry food is its smell. Dogs may be attracted to the smell of wet food, but most dog owners find it unattractive.
If left out for too long, wet food can spoil quickly, so it is not ideal for dogs who like to eat for hours on end. In addition, after opening the container, the remaining wet food must be refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
Waste is another problem with wet food. A large bag of dry food produces much less waste than dozens of cans, bags, or plastic containers.
Finally, there are some potential health problems associated with wet food diets:
- Wet foods generally contain more fat than dry foods. This can be too much fat for some dogs, especially those who are prone to pancreatitis or sensitive to greasy foods.
- Wet food may increase tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth faster than dry food (or at least not prevent tartar buildup as much as dry food does). This is especially true if you haven’t already developed a dental care habit.
- Can liners may contain bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Bags and plastic containers may also contain BPA. Studies have shown that BPA in canned dog food can be detected in a dog’s blood and may have negative effects on the body.
Mix Wet and Dry Food
Many dog owners choose to mix wet and dry food together. This can reduce the overall cost of dog food while still providing them with some of the flavor and health benefits of wet food. Just make sure you’re feeding the right amount of calories.
Semi-Wet Dog Food
There are several types of semi-wet dog food available in the market. Unfortunately, semi-wet dog food usually contains a lot of sugar, making it not suitable as a staple food for dogs. If your dog is a very picky eater, it is healthier to feed or mix some wet food into your dog’s dry food.